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Monday, 17 July 2017

(The Edge Financial Daily) MRT a game changer

SBK line will facilitate
transformation of underserved areas, says CEO

KUALA LUMPUR: The launch of the second
phase of mass rapid transit (MRT) Sungai Buloh-Kajang (SBK) line today will
mark a game changer in the country’s transportation landscape.

In providing cheap and efficient public
transportation, the SBK line will facilitate the transformation of underserved areas throughout its 51km
route.

Areas in the north-west and south-east
of the Klang Valley are not served by any urban rail lines since the Kelana Jaya, Sri Petaling and
Ampang light rail transit lines and their extensions only serve the north-east and south-west quadrants
of the Klang Valley.

MRT Corp Sdn Bhd chief executive
officer (CEO) Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar described the implementation of MRT’s
SBK line as a game changer in transforming the country’s transportation
landscape that would benefit the public in many ways, including improving connectivity
for residents in the underserved areas.

Shahril said in the first phase of
the completed MRT SBK Line, 11 out of 12 stations were built in areas where there was no rail service
while in phase two, 13 out of 19 stations were built in such areas.

Fares throughout the MRT SBK line
would be affordable, starting from RM1 to RM6.40, enabling lower- and
medium-income groups to enjoy the privilege of MRT service, he said.

Shahril said MRT would reduce the
people’s burden as it would directly reduce their cost of living.

“Relatively cheaper than driving your
own car with fluctuating petrol prices, no parking charges, less wear and tear on your vehicle and extending
your car’s life span,” he told Bernama. — Bernama